This in from the police, in their own words. Ed
With warmer weather on the way, police warn homeowners to keep opportunist thieves at bay by remembering to lock doors and windows and hide valuables from view to help keep their property secure.
Being a victim of a sneak-in burglary can have both emotional and financial impact. Expensive items like phones, cameras and laptops often hold information with sentimental value, which cannot be replaced.
Remember to put away your tools in a secure building or locked shed. Not only could they be stolen, but they can be used by burglars to enter your property.
Always remember to dispose of packaging for expensive items such as TVs and computer equipment properly. Don’t advertise what is in your house.
You can register your property on www.immobilise.com so that if it is stolen and recovered by the police it can then be returned to you.
Crime prevention advice
- Keep ground floor or accessible windows shut and locked in rooms you are not using. Don’t leave doors and patios doors open.
- Remember to lock up properly before going to bed.
- Remember insurance companies often will not pay out if a burglary is a result of an insecurity.
- Do not do business at the door. Often companies who tout at the door for gardening and home improvements turn out to be bogus.
- If you are in the back garden having a barbeque party, don’t be tempted to leave the front door open for your visitors to let themselves in.
- If you are going out for the evening remember to use a timer switch on a lamp or radio to give the impression someone is home.
- Hot weather is a good opportunity to get out cycling. Remember to lock your bike using a decent ‘D’ lock even if leaving for a couple of minutes.
- Remember to shut car windows and sunroofs even if parked on your drive.
- If you are outside gardening, don’t be tempted to leave doors and accessible windows open.
- Scrap metal has a high value, be careful leaving barbeques in the front garden, they may be taken.
Anyone with information can contact Isle of Wight Police on 101. Information can be given anonymously by phoning the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.
Image: Angeloangelo under CC BY 2.0
